Hat clip

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a hat clip having a first generally horizontal member, a second generally horizontal member spaced apart and generally parallel to the first horizontal member for grasping a brim of a hat placed between the first and second horizontal members, a generally vertical member having a top end and a bottom end for positioning the first and second horizontal members, wherein the top end is in contact with the first horizontal member and the bottom end is in contact with the second horizontal member; and an ornament attached to the first horizontal member for decorating the hat.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a decorative device attachable to a hat and, more particularly, an ornament and clip removably attachable to a brim of a hat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Hats are known to have a variety of shapes and sizes for a variety of uses. Bonnets and other wide-brimmed hats are adorned to typically compliment a woman's wardrobe and provide sun protection for the face and neck. Sombreros are another type of wide-brimmed hat offering protection from the sun. Fishing hats, normally having a small brim or a brim extending from the head a short distance relative to a bonnet's brim, are popular among golf enthusiasts or fishermen for offering limited sun protection for the face and neck without a large brim obstructing vision. Baseball hats are commonly found among baseball players and spectators alike. These hats have a brim located in the frontal area, leaving the rest of the hat without a brim and without any sun protection for areas like the back of the neck. Similar to baseball hats, visors have a brim located in the frontal area and offer sun protection to the face but not to other areas such as the back of the neck.

[0003] In addition to the above mentioned hats having brims, there are a variety of hats without brims. Although without offering much sun protection to the face or neck, these brimless hats have other useful purposes. For example, winter hats typically made of stretchable wool or heavy cotton provide warmth not commonly found in baseball hats or bonnets. Certain ceremonial hats, common among Native Americans, are usually adorned for ritual or representative, as opposed to utilitarian, purposes. Hence, these hats generally have bold colors, prominent features, and decorative ornaments placed on the hat.

[0004] Hats, whether with or without a brim, may have some type of decoration, emblem, or logo, located somewhere on the hat. Some hats may be plain and without any type of decoration. But most hats, especially baseball hats, have a team name, logo, or picture placed on the hat. Bonnets may have flowers or ribbons on the hat and sombreros may have decorative stitching on it.

[0005] Hats by Bev, located at www.msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ProjectP1/grannybev/hats.htm, relates to bonnets having ornaments secured to the hat. The ornaments are either permanently or removably secured to the hat. However, ornaments secured by pins require the hat to be pierced by the pin. Repeatedly varying the ornaments may lead to irreparably damaging the hat.

[0006] Alaska Native Craft, located at www.mindspring.com/˜wjager/aleut-alutiiq.html, relates to ceremonial hats having decorative features, such as carvings, paintings, and ornaments. No where does the reference disclose interchangeable ornaments.

[0007] No reference discloses a hat clip including an ornament attachable to the brim of a hat. Further, no reference discloses a removably attachable ornament for varying an appearance of the hat clip. Additionally, no reference discloses a removably attachable hat clip that does not damage the hat. Moreover, no reference discloses a hat clip with an illumination device, sound emission device, or voice activation device.

[0008] What is desired, therefore, is a removably attachable hat clip including a removably attachable ornament. What is also desired is a hat clip removably attachable to a plurality of areas of the hat. Another desire is a hat clip having a light for providing further decoration to the hat clip.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a hat clip removably attachable to a brim of a hat.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to provide a removably attachable ornament to the removably attachable hat clip.

[0011] These and other objects of the invention are achieved by a hat clip having a first generally horizontal member, a second generally horizontal member spaced apart and generally parallel to the first horizontal member for grasping a brim of a hat placed between the first and second horizontal members, a generally vertical member having a top end and a bottom end for positioning the first and second horizontal members, wherein the top end is in contact with the first horizontal member and the bottom end is in contact with the second horizontal member, and an ornament attached to the first horizontal member for decorating the hat.

[0012] The hat clip further includes a distance between the first and second horizontal members being less than a thickness of the brim of a hat.

[0013] The hat clip further includes an aperture in the second horizontal member for receiving and securing the hat clip to a protruding mechanism located on the hat. The aperture may be a generally circular hole for receiving the protruding mechanism located on the hat and may also include a tapered channel for guiding the protruding mechanism into the circular hole.

[0014] The hat clip may further include the second horizontal member being hingedly connected to the bottom end of the vertical member for closing upon and grasping the brim.

[0015] The hat clip further includes a removably attachable ornament for permitting interchangeability of the ornaments. In certain other embodiments, the ornament is permanently attached to the first horizontal member.

[0016] The hat clip may optionally include a seat and back member placed between the first horizontal member and ornament for providing an appearance that the ornament is sitting in a chair.

[0017] The hat clip may optionally include an illuminating device attached to the hat clip for decorating the hat. In addition to, or instead of, the illuminating device, the hat clip may also include a melody playing device for playing a pre-recorded melody, such as happy birthday or a song. The hat clip ma also include a switch for actuating the above mentioned illuminating device or melody playing device. A voice activation device may also be used to activate either the illuminating or melody playing device.

[0018] Moreover, a spring may be provided for providing at least a movable portion of the ornament, such as a bobbing or shaking head, arm, leg, or a combination of them.

[0019] In another embodiment, the second generally horizontal member is replaced with an angled member being angled upwardly from the juncture of the intermediate and angled members to the free end of the angled member. This angular orientation provides improved gripping abilities of the hat clip.

[0020] Further, a rib may be used to improve structural rigidity in the hat clip and, because it is in the opening where the brim is placed, to provide improved gripping capabilities. Optionally, the angled member may include a free end extending and angling beyond the free end of the first member. The angled member may further include a bend, the bend being angled upwardly toward the first horizontal member and resulting in the angled member having two angled orientations in which the brim is gripped for improved griping capabilities.

[0021] The invention and its particular features and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description considered with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]FIG. 1 depicts a hat clip and ornament in accordance with the invention.

[0023]FIG. 2 depicts the hat clip and ornament attached to a top of the hat.

[0024]FIG. 3 depicts an underside of the hat clip.

[0025]FIG. 4 is a close up view of the hat clip and ornament in accordance with the invention.

[0026]FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the hat clip.

[0027]FIG. 6 depicts the hat clip, ornament, and entertainment device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028]FIG. 1 depicts hat clip 10 attached to brim 30 of a hat. Hat clip 10 comprises attachment 12 for the brim of the hat and attachable seat 14 for placing ornament 40 thereon. Hat clip 10 may be attached to any type of hat having a brim.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 4, which more particularly depicts attachment 12 for the brim of the hat, attachment 12 includes a pair of generally horizontal members 16, 17, whereby brim 30 may be inserted between the generally horizontal members. The shortest distance between members 16, 17 is equal to or less than the thickness of brim 30 so that hat clip 10 may be attached to brim 30. The thickness of brim 30 is usually of a standard size in the industry of hat making. To facilitate the assembly of hat clip 10, horizontal member 17 may also, but not necessarily, be the same as attachable seat 14 for placing ornament 40 thereon.

[0030] Generally horizontal members 16, 17 may be held in their position by intermediate member 18, which may be generally vertical in relation to horizontal members 16, 17. Intermediate member 18 may be fixedly attached to the generally horizontal members.

[0031] In another embodiment, intermediate member 18 may include a rotating member to which at least one of generally horizontal members 16, 17 are hingedly attached. In this embodiment, distal ends 20 of the horizontal members opposite intermediate member 18 operate to open, permitting brim 30 to be inserted between the horizontal members, and close, holding and attaching hat clip 10 to brim 30. In the embodiment, hat clip 10 is closable upon other areas of the hat so long as hat material is placed between horizontal members 16, 17. A winter hat is usually made of stretchable and soft wool or cotton, which is easily placed between members 16, 17.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, attachable seat 14 for placing ornament 40 thereon may include generally horizontal member 17. In certain embodiments, attachable seat 14 is repeatedly removed and reattached and is advantageous where various sized ornaments are desired to be attached to brim 30. Attachable seat 14 may be held in place with the horizontal members through a variety of mechanisms, such as a snap and lock mechanism, removable adhesive, and/or buttoning type device whereby a button is placed on, for example, horizontal member 17 and an aperture for receiving the button is placed on attachable seat 14. The button may also be placed on attachable seat 14 and the aperature placed on horizontal member 17. The list of mechanisms for attaching seat 14 to the horizontal members is not exhaustive and includes all known and novel mechanisms for attachment. Optionally, back member 19 is attachable to seat 14 to provide an appearance that ornament 40 is sitting in a chair.

[0033] Further, attachable seat 14 may be permanently attached to generally horizontal member 17. This may include permanently adhering the seat to the horizontal member using an adhesive. Moreover, generally horizontal members 16, 17 and intermediate member 18 may be molded together during manufacturing so that the horizontal members and intermediate member comprise one continuous piece.

[0034] In certain embodiments, ornament 40 is removably attached to attachable seat 14 in the same manner as those mentioned above, including known and novel mechanisms for attachment. In certain other embodiments, ornament 40 is permanently attached to seat 14. In embodiments where seat 14 is horizontal member 17, ornament 40 is removably or permanently attached to member 17 in the same fashion as described above when attached to seat 14.

[0035]FIG. 2 depicts hat clip 10 attached to a top 32 of the hat, the hat clip comprising attachment 50 for top 32 of the hat and attachable seat 14 for placing ornament 40 thereon. Hat clip 10 may be attached to any type of hat having top 32 with a button mechanism thereon. The button mechanism is typically, but not exclusively, found on the top of baseball hats.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 3, which more particularly depicts attachment 50 to the top of the hat, attachment 50 comprises generally horizontal piece 52, which may include generally horizontal member 16. Generally horizontal piece 52 includes aperture 54 for receiving the button mechanism of the hat. Aperture 54 comprises entrance channel 56 for permitting the button mechanism to enter aperture 54 and generally circular shape 58 having an angle between 180 and 360 degrees for holding hat clip 10 in place.

[0037] Entrance channel 56 may include a tapered shape that narrows as it approaches generally circular shape 58. The wider part of channel 56 may or may not extend to an end of the horizontal piece and is for facilitating the entrance of the hat's button mechanism. As a user positions the hat clip into place, channel 56 narrows in order to guide the button mechanism into the generally circular shaped part of aperture 54. In certain embodiments and prior to entering generally circular shape 58, channel 56 will taper to where the shortest distance across channel 56 is slightly less than the diameter of the button mechanism so that, when positioned in generally circular shape 58, the button mechanism is securely held in aperture 54. In another embodiment, channel 56 may not have a tapered shape but may have a generally consistently spaced opening across the channel leading to generally circular shape 58.

[0038] In another embodiment, aperture 54 may not include channel 56 for receiving the button mechanism. In this embodiment, the button mechanism is placed into a generally circular shaped aperture of horizontal piece 52. The manner for attaching attachable seat 14 to generally horizontal piece 52 includes all the limitations mentioned above under FIG. 1. Attachable seat 14 may further be attached to generally horizontal piece 52 in the same manner as intermediate member 18 mentioned above under FIG. 1, including fixedly or hingedly attaching seat 14 to horizontal piece 52.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 5, another embodiment of hat clip 10 is shown. Hat clip 10 includes generally horizontal member 17, intermediate member 18, and angled member 42. Hat clip 10 further includes at least one rib 44 for strengthening angled member 42 and for providing improved grasping of brim 30.

[0040] Angled member 42 attaches to intermediate member 18 using all known or novel fashions of attachment, including being removably or permanently being attached. In certain embodiments, angled member 42 is hingedly attached to intermediate member 18 such that, upon opening, brim 30 is inserted and, upon closing, angled member 42 grasps brim 30. Angled member 42 provides improved grasping capabilities than horizontal member 17 because fore end 42 a of angled member 42 is closer to forward end 17 a of horizontal member 17 than aft end 42 b is to rear end 17 b. This angling permits fore end 42 a of angled member 42 to grasp brim 30 tighter than aft end 42 b and, therefore, an improvement of the grasping capabilities of generally horizontal member 17.

[0041] Rib 44, placed in contact with both intermediate member 18 and angled member 42, provides a strengthener to angled member 42 by giving rigidity to angled member 42. Additionally, rib 44 also provides improved grasping of brim 30 because rib 44 is located in the area where brim 30 is placed. Therefore, rib 44 acts as a mechanism to dig, or embed, into a surface of brim 30, thereby inhibiting hat clip 10 from slipping off of brim 30. It should be known that rib 44 is optional and not necessary for proper operation of hat clip 10. Rib merely provides improved gripping capabilities. In certain embodiments, rib 44 further includes a textured surface for further preventing hat clip 10 from slipping off brim 30.

[0042] In certain embodiments, fore end 42 a of angled member 42 extends beyond forward end of horizontal member 17. This provides a smaller distance between fore end 42 a and forward end 16 a, through which brim 30 is placed, thereby providing improved grasping capabilities to hat clip 10.

[0043] In certain other embodiments, fore end 42 a of angled member 42 further comprises an upwardly angled bend relative to the rest of angled member 42. In other words, angled member comprises of two angles: the angle between intermediate member 18 and angled member 42; and a more acute angle between intermediate member 18 and fore end 42 a. The smaller distance between fore end 42 a and forward end 17 a, through which brim 30 is placed improves grasping capabilities of hat clip 10.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 6, hat clip 10 is depicted to further include illuminating device 62, which includes known or novel lighting such as a light emitting diode, or LED. In certain embodiments, hat clip 10 includes a switch placed between horizontal members, 16 and 17, or between horizontal member 17 and angled member 42, such that, upon inserting brim 30, illuminating device 62 is actuated. The arrangement of the lights 64 of illuminating device 62 is not germane to the invention. In certain embodiments, a plurality of lights illuminate in a particular pattern upon illuminating device 62 becoming actuated. In certain other embodiments, illuminating device 62 is a single light. Illuminating device 62 may further blink, stay illuminated without interruption, or illuminate in a particularly pattern. In certain other embodiments, eyes, nose, mouth, or other bodily areas illuminate. It should be known that illuminating device 62 is optional and not necessary for proper operation of hat clip 10. Illuminating device 62 merely provides further decorative features as an entertainment device to hat clip 10.

[0045] Optionally, hat clip 10 may further include a melody playing device for playing a pre-recorded melody. The melody playing device includes a miniature recorder or any device capable of storing and playing a melody. A melody is defined to be a song or speech. In certain embodiments, the melody playing device is actuated by the switch upon brim 30 being placed between members 16 and 17.

[0046] Optionally, hat clip 10 may further include a voice activation device for, upon hearing a user voice, actuating the melody playing device for playing a melody.

[0047] Optionally, hat clip 10 may further include a spring attached to ornament 40 in at least one area for providing at least a movable portion of ornament 40. In certain embodiments, the movable portion is a head of an ornament, whereby the spring is placed between the head and neck, permitting the head to bob or shake. In certain other embodiments, the spring is placed at the juncture of where the arms and legs meet the torso, whereby the appendages also bob or shake.

[0048] It should be known that hat clip 10, although most applicable to brim 30 of a hat, is applicable to any hat with or without a brim, provided material of the hat is insertable between horizontal members, 16 and 17, or between horizontal member 17 and angled member 42. Hat clip 10 is not limited to baseball hats but also fishing hats, sombreros, visors, bonnets, or any hat with a brim or area placeable between the horizontal members.

[0049] Although the invention has been described with reference to a particular arrangement of parts, features and the like, these are not intended to exhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many other modifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hat clip, comprising: a first generally horizontal member; a second generally horizontal member spaced apart and generally parallel to said first horizontal member for grasping a brim of a hat placed between said first and said second horizontal members; a generally vertical member having a top end and a bottom end for positioning said first and said second horizontal members, wherein said top end is in contact with said first horizontal member and said bottom end is in contact with said second horizontal member; and an ornament attached to said first horizontal member for decorating the hat.
 2. The hat clip according to claim 1, wherein a distance between said first and said second horizontal members is less than a thickness of the brim of a hat.
 3. The hat clip according to claim 1, wherein said second horizontal member further comprises an aperture for receiving and securing to a protruding mechanism located on the hat.
 4. The hat clip according to claim 3, wherein said aperture further comprises a generally circular hole for receiving the protruding mechanism located on the hat.
 5. The hat clip according to claim 4, wherein said aperture further comprises a tapered channel for guiding the protruding mechanism into said circular hole.
 6. The hat clip according to claim 1, wherein said second horizontal member is hingedly connected to said bottom end of said vertical member for closing upon and grasping the brim.
 7. The hat clip according to claim 1, wherein said ornament is removably attachable to said first horizontal member for permitting interchangeability of said ornaments.
 8. The hat clip according to claim 1, wherein said ornament is permanently attached to said first horizontal member.
 9. The hat clip according to claim 1, further comprising a seat placed between said ornament and said first horizontal member for providing an appearance of a chair upon which said ornament is placed.
 10. The hat clip according to claim 9, wherein said seat comprises a sitting member and a back member, wherein said sitting member and said back member are in contact with one another and generally form an “L shape”.
 11. The hat clip according to claim 1, further comprising an illuminating device attached to the hat clip for decorating the hat.
 12. The hat clip according to claim 11, further comprising a switch placed between said first and said second horizontal members for actuating said illuminating device.
 13. The hat clip according to claim 1, further comprising a spring attached to said ornament for providing at least a movable portion of said ornament.
 14. The hat clip according to claim 1, further comprising a melody playing device for playing a pre-recorded melody.
 15. The hat clip according to claim 1, further comprising a voice activated device attached to the hat clip for, upon a user voice, actuating a melody playing device for playing a pre-recorded melody.
 16. A hat clip, comprising: a generally horizontal member having a forward end and a rear end; an angled member having a fore end and an aft end, said angled member being spaced apart from said generally horizontal member for grasping a brim of a hat placed between said horizontal and angled members; a distance between said fore end and said forward end being smaller than a space between said rear end and said aft end; a generally vertical member having a top end and a bottom end for positioning said horizontal and said angled members, wherein said top end is in contact with said rear end and said bottom end is in contact with said aft end; and an ornament attached to said first horizontal member for decorating the hat.
 17. The hat clip according to claim 16, further comprising at least one rib attached to said angled member for strengthening said angled member and improved grasping of the brim.
 18. The hat clip according to claim 16, wherein said fore end of said angled member extends beyond said forward end of said horizontal member for improved grasping of the brim.
 19. The hat clip according to claim 16, wherein said angled member further comprises a bend, whereby said distance is further reduced for improved grasping of the brim.
 20. The hat clip according to claim 16, further comprising an entertainment device selected from the group consisting of a spring, an illuminative device, a melody playing device, a voice activated device, and combinations thereof.
 21. A hat clip, comprising: a generally horizontal member having a forward end and a rear end; an angled member having a fore end and an aft end, said angled member being spaced apart from said generally horizontal member for grasping a brim of a hat placed between said horizontal and angled members; a distance between said fore end and said forward end being smaller than a space between said rear end and said aft end; a generally vertical member having a top end and a bottom end for positioning said horizontal and said angled members, wherein said top end is in contact with said rear end and said bottom end is in contact with said aft end; an ornament attached to said first horizontal member for decorating the hat; and wherein said angled member further comprises an aperture for receiving and securing to a protruding mechanism located on the hat 